How to Replace the Water Pump in a 2.7 Engine

The 2.7 engine, or Chrysler LH engine, is a V-6 engine manufactured by Chrysler Corporation specifically designed for front-wheel drive vehicles. The engine is found in a wide variety of Chrysler vehicles including the Dodge Stratus, Chrysler Intrepid, Chrysler Sebring and the 2006 to 2010 Dodge Charger. The water pump in the 2.7 helps keep water and coolant flowing through the engine and coolant system. If it goes bad, it usually makes the car overheat. Bad water pumps should be replaced immediately.

Things You'll Need

  • Adjustable wrench
  • Pliers
  • Nut driver
  • Drip pan
  • Open the Chrysler's hood and remove the negative battery cable with an adjustable wrench.

  • Use a nut driver to remove the retaining nuts holding the plastic fan and radiator shroud and slide the shroud out in order to gain access to the bottom of the radiator.

  • Loosen the radiator drain valve with a pair of pliers and allow the coolant to drain into the drip pan. The valve is located on the lower right hand corner of the radiator.

  • Remove the inner splash shield retaining nuts with the nut driver and pull the splash shield out by hand.

  • Loosen the drive belt tensioner with the nut driver and then slip the drive belt off. Loosen the screw on the clamp holding the hose in place and slide it off the water pump.

  • Remove the water pump retaining bolts with the socket set and then remove the old pump. Set the new water pump in place and then insert the retaining bolts. Tighten the retaining bolts with the socket set. Slip the hose back onto the water pump and tighten the hose clamp with the screwdriver.

  • Slip the drive belt back onto the pulleys and then tighten the drive belt tensioner with the nut driver.

  • Lower the inner splash shield back into position and replace the retaining nuts.

  • Open the radiator cap and pour the coolant back into the radiator. Replace the radiator cap.

  • Set the radiator cover back in place, insert the retaining nuts and tighten them with the nut driver.

  • Replace the Chrysler's negative battery cable with the adjustable wrench.